Ancient Greek Architecture: Parthenon, Erechtheum and Altar of Zeus

Historical Context: The Parthenon

The Parthenon was constructed between 447 BC and 438 BC as a grand temple dedicated to the goddess Athena following the victory over the Persians. Built during the era of Pericles, it marked the beginning of the reconstruction of the Athenian Acropolis, which had been destroyed during the wars. Following peace with the Persians, the city sought to enhance its beauty. Greek culture is rooted in humanism—the concept of man as a being of reason, harmony, and beauty—which is expressed in architecture through three distinct orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

The Parthenon Structure

• Base: Features three steps.
• Shaft: Formed by overlapping drums.
• Capital: Located between the shaft and the collar, consisting of a cone-shaped echinus and an abacus.
• Entablature: Comprised of three sections: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice at the top, with the pediment above the cornice.

The Parthenon is a Doric temple; its interior cella is divided into two rooms separated by a wall.

Historical Context: The Erechtheum

The Erechtheum was built between 421 BC and 405 BC. Its construction is attributed to Mnesikles, the architect of the Acropolis Propylaea. The Caryatids, which decorate and support the third portico, are attributed to a pupil of Phidias.

Erechtheum Design

The structure features different facades with arcades of four columns, with the main entrance facing east. It includes six Ionic columns in line with a western portico of four, all featuring a frieze and cornice. The Erechtheum adapts to the irregular cliff of the Acropolis of Athens and relates to surrounding buildings. It was a temple dedicated to Athena, Poseidon, Erechtheus, and Cecrops.

Historical Context: The Altar of Zeus

The Altar of Zeus was created between 180 BC and 160 BC and is currently housed in the Pergamon Museum (Berlin). It dates to the period following the wars of Alexander the Great. The Theater at Epidaurus is also located in Greece. These monuments are characterized by classical Greek concepts: human nature, reason, harmony, beauty, and balance. These principles are expressed in city planning, adapting building scales to human proportions and the constant search for beauty through a harmonious balance of forms.

Altar of Zeus Structure

The altar consisted of a square podium 7 meters high. The outer walls were decorated with a continuous high-relief frieze. Today, only the front remains. The Altar of Zeus was originally built on the Acropolis of Pergamum (Turkey) and was decorated with two friezes: one inside and another under the exterior portico.